Graffiti removal system

ABSTRACT

A graffiti removal system and a method of removing graffiti are provided.The graffiti removal system comprises a liquid comprising 4-50 wt % glyceride wherein the glyceride is the condensation reaction product of at least 1.10 moles of a mixture of acids to no more than 2.1 moles of the mixture of acids per mole of glycerin. The mixture of acids comprises at least 0.275 to no more than 0.990 moles of a first acid comprising a branched acid with 16-20 aliphatic carbons; at least 0.250 to no more than 0.810 moles of a second acid comprising an alkyl acid with 9-11 carbons and at least 0.250 to no more than 0.810 moles of a third acid comprising an alkyl acid with 7-9 carbons. The third acid has a lower molecular weight than the second acid. The graffiti removal system also has 6-45 wt % surfactant, optionally up to 5-90 wt % graffiti removal agent and up to 90 wt % solvent. The liquid has a BYV of at least 50 dyn/cm 2 .

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/072,318 filed Oct. 16, 2020 which, in turn, claims priority to expired U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/923,227 filed Oct. 18, 2019 both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to an improved graffiti removal system. More specifically, the present invention is related to a graffiti removal system comprising a composition capable of enhancing the functionality of the graffiti removal agents incorporated therein.

BACKGROUND

There is an on-going need for improved compositions for the removal of graffiti. A particular aspect of this on-going desire is compositions that are water based, water soluble, nonflammable, vegetable derived, biodegradable and with low irritancy, low toxicity, and low VOCs. For example, sulfate-based surfactants are known to be an irritant to mucosal membranes and particularly those membranes associated with the eyes, the skin and the lungs. It has therefore been a societal desire to decrease or remove sulfate-based surfactants from products, particularly liquid products, that can come into contact with the hair and skin of people using the product or in the vicinity of the product being used.

Of particular importance to consumers is viscosity. It is desirable that graffiti removal products have a viscosity that makes the product easy to control during application and which does not flow to unintended areas. If the viscosity is too low the product spreads quickly and the graffiti removal agents incorporated therein do not have sufficient time to adequately dislodge the paint used in the graffiti.

With sulfate-based surfactants, and non-aqueous solvent based systems, viscosity is easily controlled by salts. In these systems the viscosity generally increases with concentration of salt, within the working range, even up to a viscosity sufficient to form a solid, non-flowable gel. As set forth in U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2009/0257968, particularly suitable salts for increasing viscosity contain cations such as alkali metals, particularly sodium and potassium; and alkaline earth metal salts, such as magnesium and, aluminum. However, salts are not effective in controlling the viscosity of non-sulfate aqueous based systems. This has led to efforts to develop a surfactant system suitable for controlling the viscosity of liquid compositions which have a low concentration of sulfate or which are sulfate-free.

Provided herein is a, optionally sulfate-free, surfactant system suitable for use with graffiti removal products and the like without limit thereto. The present invention provides a natural based thickener which is particularly suitable for use in, preferably sulfate-free, graffiti removal systems, and the like, and which provides a composition with non-Newtonian rheology.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to a graffiti removal system which is optionally sulfate-free.

More specifically, the present invention is related to a graffiti removal system comprising a thickener which can provide a non-Newtonian liquid with shear thinning properties.

A particular feature of the invention is a thickener, based on natural products, which can be used in a sulfate-free liquid surfactant system which is biologically compatible and safe.

These and other embodiments, as will be realized, are provided in a graffiti removal system. The graffiti removal system comprises a liquid comprising 4-50 wt % glyceride wherein the glyceride is the condensation reaction product of at least 1.10 moles of a mixture of acids to no more than 2.1 moles of the mixture of acids per mole of glycerin. The mixture of acids comprises at least 0.275 to no more than 0.990 moles of a first acid comprising a branched acid with 16-20 aliphatic carbons; at least 0.250 to no more than 0.810 moles of a second acid comprising an alkyl acid with 9-11 carbons and at least 0.250 to no more than 0.810 moles of a third acid comprising an alkyl acid with 7-9 carbons. The third acid has a lower molecular weight than the second acid. The graffiti removal system also has 6-45 wt % surfactant, optionally up to 5-90 wt % graffiti removal agent and up to 90 wt % solvent. The liquid has a BYV of at least 50 dyn/cm².

Yet another embodiment is provided in a method of removing graffiti. The method comprises:

providing graffiti removal system comprising:

a liquid comprising: 4-50 wt % glyceride wherein the glyceride is the condensation reaction product of at least 1.10 moles of a mixture of acids to no more than 2.1 moles of the mixture of acids per mole of glycerin; wherein the mixture of acids comprises:

at least 0.275 to no more than 0.990 moles of a first acid comprising a branched acid with 16-20 aliphatic carbons; at least 0.250 to no more than 0.810 moles of a second acid comprising an alkyl acid with 9-11 carbons; and at least 0.250 to no more than 0.810 moles of a third acid comprising an alkyl acid with 7-9 carbons wherein the third acid has a lower molecular weight than the second acid; and 6-45 wt % surfactant; optionally up to 5-90 wt % graffiti removal agent and up to 90 wt % solvent; applying the graffiti removal system to a surface comprising graffiti; and removing the graffiti removal system.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention is related to a graffiti removal system and more specifically a graffiti removal system with low sulfate or which is sulfate-free. More specifically, the present invention is related to a graffiti removal system comprising natural based glyceride or glyceryl ester which is particularly suitable as a thickener for, preferably sulfate-free, liquid surfactant systems which are non-Newtonian liquids.

Of particular interest in the present invention is the ability to remove graffiti formed by paints and markers, specifically permanent markers, and water based and organic solvent based paints especially those based on lacquers and acrylics. The instant invention provides a graffiti removal system comprising a carrier, an optional but preferred graffiti removal agent, and an optional but preferred solvent. The carrier provides viscosity thereby maintaining the graffiti removal agent in proximity with the graffiti to solubilize, dissolve, weaken or alter the composition of the graffiti or disrupt the bonding of the graffiti to the surface thereby allowing for removal with, preferably, water.

The graffiti removal system can be applied to a surface by any means common in the art such as by painting with a brush or roller, spraying or applying with a cloth with painting being a particularly suitable method for demonstration of the invention.

The carrier comprises a glyceride, also referred to as glyceride esters or glyceryl esters, and a solvent. The glyceride is formed as the reaction product of glycerin with a molar excess of a mixture of acids. The molar excess provides, on average, primarily mono and diglyceride esters. More specifically, the molar excess is at least a 10% molar excess to no more than 110% molar excess. Even more specifically, for one mole of glycerin at least 1.10 moles of the mixture of acids is used to no more than 2.10 moles of the mixture of acids. Below about 1.10 moles of the mixture of acids per mole of glycerin the number of diglyceride esters, based on statistical distribution, is insufficient for the surfactant to provide sufficient thickening efficiency at reasonable concentrations. Above about 2.10 moles of the mixture of acids per mole of glycerin the number of triglyceride esters, based on statistical distribution, increases and is no longer a surfactant suitable for the intended purpose.

The mixture of acids comprises three acids with the first acid having a higher molecular weight than the second acid wherein the second acid has a higher molecular weight than the third acid. The first acid is preferably a branched acid comprising 16-20 aliphatic carbons and preferably 18 aliphatic carbons. Particularly preferred as the first acid is a methyl branched aliphatic carbon with 16-methylheptadecanoic acid being particularly preferred. The second acid is preferably an alkyl acid of 9-11 carbons which are preferably unbranched and more preferably the second acid is decanoic acid. The third acid is preferably an alkyl acid of 7-9 carbons which are preferably unbranched and more preferably the third acid is octanoic acid.

The mixture of acids comprises, per mole of glycerin, at least 0.275 to no more than 0.990 moles of the first acid; at least 0.250 to no more than 0.810 moles of the second acid and at least 0.250 to no more than 0.810 moles of the third acid. More preferably, the mixture of acids comprises, per mole of glycerin, at least 0.425 moles of the second acid, even more preferably at least 0.520 moles of the second acid, even more preferably no more than 0.580 moles of the second acid. More preferably, the mixture of acids comprises, per mole of glycerin, at least 0.425 moles of the third acid, even more preferably at least 0.520 moles of the third acid, even more preferably no more than 0.580 moles of the third acid.

The graffiti removal system comprises at least 4 wt % glyceride to no more than 50 wt % glyceride and at least 6 wt % surfactant to no more than 45 wt % surfactant and up to 90 wt % solvent. Below about 4 wt % glyceride the thickening properties are insufficient and above about 50 wt % glyceride an insufficient amount of graffiti removal agent is available for optimum performance.

The graffiti removal system preferably comprises at least 10 wt % to no more than 95 wt % carrier and 5 wt % to no more than 90 wt % graffiti removal agent with the balance being solvent. A particularly preferred solvent is water.

Graffiti removal agents include, without limit thereto: esters, preferably alkyl esters with up to 5 carbons which may be substituted and preferably methyl and ethyl esters, 3-ethoxypropionic ethyl ester, ethyl lactate, soy methyl ester, triglyceride methyl ester, and C₁₋₄ alkyl ester of a C₆₋₂₂ saturated or unsaturated carboxylic acid; propylene carbonate; terpenes, particularly cyclic terpenes and preferably limonene; N-methylpyrrolidone; acetates such as dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate or dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate; ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, n-butyl acetate and isobutyl acetate; ethers such as dipropylene glycol methyl ether or diethylene glycol ethyl ether.

A particularly preferred embodiment comprises a mixture of: 10-30 wt % glyceride; 20-40wt % surfactant and 30-70 wt % graffiti removal agent with the balance being solvent and other additives as desired.

A particularly preferred glyceride comprises the reaction of glycerin with isostearic acid, octanoic acid and decanoic-acid.

The reaction of the mixture of acids and glycerin provides a statistical mixture of esters with each ester being the product of a condensation reaction between one randomly selected hydroxyl group on a glycerin molecule and one of either the first acid, second acid or third acid. It is assumed that all acid molecules react and therefore the average number of esters formed per glycerin molecule is approximately the molar ratio of mixed acid to glycerin, which is 1.1 to 2.1. By way of non-limiting example if 1.5 moles of mixed acid is reacted with 1 mole of glycerin the average number of esters per glycerin molecule is defined as 1.5.

The glyceride provides viscosity and the desired shear thinning rheology properties without sacrificing foam properties of the surfactant. It also adds lubricity and emolliency to the finished product thereby allowing the formulator to reduce additional ingredients to achieve preferred aesthetics in the finished product.

The glyceride is formed by heating glycerin and the prescribed mixture of acids under nitrogen with mixing, preferably to an initial temperature of 160° C. Then the temperature is preferably increased about 10° C. every hour until reaching about 220° C. Samples are preferably taken every 4 hours until the reaction is complete, followed by cooling to about 40-50° C. and filtering.

The graffiti removal system can be made either by mixing the surfactants with the glyceride followed optionally by the addition of the mixture to the solvent, which is preferably water, followed optionally by addition of a graffiti removing agent, the addition optionally of solvent to the surfactant/glyceride mixture followed optionally by addition of a graffiti removing agent or all components can be added at the same time, heated and stirred preferably for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, the glyceride and optional graffiti removing agent can be premixed and then added to the surfactant followed optionally by addition of solvent which is preferably water. Another option is to first add the surfactant to the solvent which is preferably water followed by addition of the glyceride and then the optional graffiti removing agent or by addition of a premix of the glyceride and optional graffiti removing agent. Depending on the particular composition of preparation method heat may or may not be required. These examples are not meant to be limiting and one of ordinary skill in the art may envision other preparation methods.

A particular feature of the claimed invention is the surprising and unexpected ability to provide a non-Newtonian liquid with shear-thinning properties which provides a satisfactory feel when used by consumers. A liquid that has a lower viscosity under high shear than under low shear has shear-thinning rheology. When used in personal hygiene products this provides many benefits. The liquid can be dispensed through an orifice, since the viscosity lowers under the higher shear stress of the orifice. However, the viscosity increases once dispensed and therefore the liquid can be applied with minimal flow. Furthermore, the non-Newtonian liquid will suspend bubbles or particulate therein during storage thereby reducing the settling that occurs in the absence of this type of Rheology.

Shear-thinning is quantified by the Brookfield Yield Value (BYV) which is calculated by the equation: BYV=2r ₁(n ₁ −n ₂)/100 wherein n₁ and n₂ are the viscosities at two different spindle speeds, r₁ and r₂, wherein r₂/r₁=2. BYV is reported as dyn/cm². For the purposes of this invention BYV is measured at ambient temperature, about 25° C. Viscosities were determined at spindle speeds of 10 and 20 rpm using a Brookfield DV−II+ Viscometer and reported as centipoise (cps). A positive BYV indicates shear-thinning. For the purposes of the present invention a BYV of at least 50 dyn/cm² is preferred such that any particles of graffiti removed can be suspended. It is more preferable that the shear-thinning be at least 100 dyn/cm². Above a BYV of about 100 dyn/cm² the liquid can suspend particles with an average particle diameter of 0.6 mm such as sand. It is preferable that the BYV no exceed 100,000 dyn/cm².

In some instances the liquid may also be rheopectic as evidenced by a time-dependent shear thickening.

A particularly preferred surfactant system comprises the glyceride and at least one surfactant which is defined as a compound which lowers the surface tension of a liquid. Preferred surfactants are selected from an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an amphoteric surfactant.

Preferred anionic surfactants include glutamates, taurates, alkanoyl isethionates, alkyl succinates, alkyl sulphosuccinates, N-alkoyl sarcosinates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl ether phosphates, alkyl ether carboxylates, alpha-olefin sulphonates wherein alkyl and acyl groups are preferably 8 to 18 carbons which may be unsaturated. Particularly preferred alpha-olefin sulphonates include the sodium, magnesium, ammonium and mono-, di- and triethanolamine salts thereof. Particularly preferred anionic surfactants include sodium oleyl succinate, ammonium lauryl sulphosuccinate, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulphonate, triethanolamine dodecylbenzene sulphonate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl isethionate, sodium N-lauryl sarconsinate, sodium lauroyl lactylate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, sodium lauroyl methyl taurate, sodium lauriminodipropionate and mixtures thereof.

Particularly preferred cationic surfactants include quaternized amines, quaternized polysaccharides, alkyl polysaccharides, alkoxylated amines, alkoxylated ether amines, phospholipids, phospholipid derivatives, and mixtures thereof.

Preferred nonionic surfactants include polyalkylene glycol adducts of alcohols, acids & glycerides, polyglycerin adducts of acids & alcohols, alkyl glucosides, sorbitan esters, fatty acid amides, and polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene block copolymers, in particular, the following surfactants, alone or as mixtures. Particularly preferred nonionic surfactants include polyalkylene glycol adducts of alkyl C8-C24 phenols; polyalkylene glycol adducts of C8-C30 alcohols or C8-C30 glycosides, linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated; polyalkylene glycol adducts of C8-C30, linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated fatty acid amides; C8-C30 linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated esters of sorbitol, which are preferably polyalkylene glycol adducts; fatty acid esters of sucrose; C8-C30 alkyl polyglycosides; C8-C30 alkenyl polyglycosides, which are optionally polyalkylene glycol adducts with from 0 to 10 polyalkylene glycol units and comprising from 1 to 15 glucose units; polyalkylene glycol adducts of saturated or unsaturated vegetable oils; derivatives of N-alkyl (C8-C30) glucamine; derivatives of N-acyl C8-C30 methylglucamine; aldobionamides; amine oxides; polyalkylene glycol adducts of silicones; polyglycerin adducts of lauryl alcohol containing 1-7 moles of glycerin; polyglycerin adducts of oleyl alcohol containing 1-7 moles of glycerin; polyglycerin adducts of cetearyl alcohol containing 1-7 moles of glycerin; polyglycerin adducts of octadecanol containing 1-7 moles of glycerin and alkyl glucosides including without limitation decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, coco glucoside, and caprylic/capric glucoside.

Particularly preferred amphoteric surfactants include cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, cocamidopropyl betaine and cocobetaine, the sodium salt of diethylaminopropyl laurylaminosuccinamate or mixtures thereof.

The present invention is suitable for use in any application desiring thickening of a sulfate-free surfactant system. The present invention is particularly suitable for graffiti removal but is also suitable without limitation for use in cleaning surfaces including metal surfaces, porous surfaces, ceramic surfaces, smooth surfaces, painted surfaces, and natural surfaces such as cellulose based materials.

In use, the graffiti removal system is applied to a surface comprising graffiti. The graffiti removal system will form a viscous coating on the surface which allows the graffiti removal agent of the graffiti removal system to interact with the graffiti. After a sufficient amount of time, typically 5 minutes to 10 hours, the graffiti removal system is removed. The process can be repeated multiple times if desired. Removal of the graffiti removal system can be accomplished by wiping with a cloth, air impingement, or by flowing solvent, preferably water. The water can be applied by pouring or spraying. In a preferred embodiment the water is applied by spraying under pressure.

Other additives can be added to the graffiti removal system to improve aethestic properties or for additional functionality. Fragrances, colorants, opacifiers, chelating agents, abrasives, anti-deposition agents, brightening agents, UV-absorbers, preservatives, antioxidants, lubricants, penetrants, film formers, detergents, emulsifiers, volatiles, propellants, salts, pH adjusting agents, neutralizing agents, buffers, anti-static agents, absorbents, and combinations thereof can be employed.

Throughout the specification the term “Cx” refers to x carbons. By way of non-limiting example, C8 refers to a specified group with eight carbons.

For the purposes of the present invention graffiti removal agents refer to those substances which are intended for use to clean and remove graffiti from a surface, particularly a porous surface, such as concrete, metal or a painted surface.

For the purposes of the present invention the term “sulfate-free” refers to a surfactant system comprising less than 2 wt % sulfate-based surfactant, preferably less than 1 wt % sulfate-based surfactant and most preferably less than a measurable amount of sulfate-based surfactant. A sulfate-based surfactant is one characterized by the following chemical structure: R—OSO₃ ⁻¹ where R is a lipophilic group.

Listed ranges for composition are inclusive and include every number with the same number of significant figures in the range. By way of non-limiting example, a stated range of 0.001 to 0.010 would include 0.001, 0.002, 0.003, 0.004 , 0.005 , 0.006, 0.007, 0.008, 0.009 and 0.010.

EXAMPLES Preparation of Esters

Ester 1 would be prepared by reacting 1 mole of glycerin (99.7%) with 2 moles of a mixture of acids where the acid mix comprises 25 wt % isostearic acid and 34 wt % octanoic acid and 41 wt % decanoic acid. The mixture would be made as described above.

Ester 2 would be prepared by the same procedure as Ester 1 using slightly more than 1 mole of a mixture of acids where the acid mix is 36 wt % isostearic acid and 32 wt % octanoic acid and 32 wt % decanoic acid.

Ester 3 would be prepared by the same procedure as Ester 2 with 26 wt % isostearic acid, 22 wt % caprylic acid and 22 wt % decanoic acid per mole of glycerin.

Preparation of Mixtures Example 1

25 grams of limonene or soy methyl ester was mixed with 15 grams of Ester 3 and heated to about 50-60° C. with mixing for several minutes. The mixture was then added to an aqueous solution of decyl glucoside (50% active) with mixing resulting in a thick cream having a composition which is decyl glucoside 30% active, Ethox 4075 15%, soy methyl ester 25%, and water 30%.

Example 2

17.5 grams of Ester 3 was added to 62.5 grams of an aqueous solution of decyl glucoside (50% active) at room temperature. To this mixture was added 20 grams of limonene or soy methyl ester with mixing at room temperature resulting in a thickened mixture. Both example mixtures were tested as follows and found be effective in removing graffiti. Apply (spread, brush, roll) product to surface to be treated, for example subway tile. After 30 minutes brush lightly then reapply more product. After 30 minutes brush lightly again then rinse with running water, preferably using a power washed along with additional brushing if necessary. Finally rinse clean.

The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments without limit thereto. Additional embodiments and improvements may be realized which are not specifically set forth herein but which are within the scope of the invention as more specifically set forth in the claims appended hereto. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A graffiti removal system comprising: a liquid comprising: 4-50 wt % glyceride wherein said glyceride is the condensation reaction product of at least 1.10 moles of a mixture of acids to no more than 2.1 moles of said mixture of acids per mole of glycerin; wherein said mixture of acids comprises: at least 0.275 to no more than 0.990 moles of a first acid comprising a branched acid with 16-20 aliphatic carbons; at least 0.250 to no more than 0.810 moles of a second acid comprising an alkyl acid with 9-11 carbons; and at least 0.250 to no more than 0.810 moles of a third acid comprising an alkyl acid with 7-9 carbons wherein said third acid has a lower molecular weight than said second acid; and 6-45 wt % surfactant; and up to 90 wt % solvent; and wherein said liquid has a BYV of at least 50 dyn/cm².
 2. The graffiti removal system of claim 1 wherein said solvent is water.
 3. The graffiti removal system of claim 1 comprising: 10 to 30 wt % said glyceride; 20-40 wt % said surfactant; 30-70 wt % graffiti removal agent; and and up to 40 wt % water.
 4. The graffiti removal system of claim 1 wherein said BYV is at least 100 dyn/cm².
 5. The graffiti removal system of claim 1 wherein said BYV does not exceed 100,000 dyn/cm².
 6. The graffiti removal system of claim 1 wherein said mixture of acids comprises at least 0.425 moles of said second acid.
 7. The graffiti removal system of claim 6 wherein said mixture of acids comprises at least 0.520 moles of said second acid.
 8. The graffiti removal system of claim 1 wherein said mixture of acids comprises no more than 0.580 moles of said second acid.
 9. The graffiti removal system of claim 1 wherein said mixture of acids comprises at least 0.425 moles of said third acid.
 10. The graffiti removal system of claim 9 wherein said mixture of acids comprises at least 0.520 moles of said third acid.
 11. The graffiti removal system of claim 1 wherein said mixture of acids comprises no more than 0.580 moles of said third acid.
 12. The graffiti removal system of claim 1 further comprising 5-90 wt % graffiti removal agent.
 13. The graffiti removal system of claim 12 wherein said graffiti removal agent is selected from the group consisting of esters, propylene carbonates, terpenes, N-methylpyrrolidone, acetates, and ethers.
 14. The graffiti removal system of claim 13 wherein said graffiti removal agent is selected from the group consisting of alkyl esters with up to 5 carbons which may be substituted; cyclic terpenes; dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, and diethylene glycol ethyl ether.
 15. The graffiti removal system of claim 13 wherein said graffiti removal agent is selected from the group consisting of methyl ester, 3-ethoxypropionic ethyl ester, ethyl lactate, soy methyl ester, triglyceride methyl ester, C₁₋₄ alkyl ester of a C₆₋₂₂ saturated or unsaturated carboxylic acid, and limonene.
 16. The graffiti removal system of claim 1 wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of a cationic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an amphoteric surfactant.
 17. The graffiti removal system of claim 16 wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of quaternized polysaccharides, alkyl polysaccharides, alkoxylated amines, alkoxylated ether amines, phospholipids, and mixtures thereof.
 18. The graffiti removal system of claim 16 wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkanoyl isethionates, alkyl succinates, alkyl sulphosuccinates, N-alkoyl sarcosinates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl ether phosphates, alkyl ether carboxylates, alpha-olefin sulphonates wherein alkyl and acyl groups are comprise 8 to 18 carbons and may be unsaturated.
 19. The graffiti removal system of claim 16 wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of sodium, magnesium, ammonium and mono-, di- and triethanolamine salts of alpha-olefin sulphonates.
 20. The graffiti removal system of claim 16 wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of sodium oleyl succinate, ammonium lauryl sulphosuccinate, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulphonate, triethanolamine dodecylbenzene sulphonate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl isethionate, sodium N-lauryl sarconsinate, sodium lauroyl lactylate and sodium lauriminodipropionate.
 21. The graffiti removal system of claim 20 wherein said surfactant is sodium lauriminodipropionate.
 22. The graffiti removal system of claim 16 wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of polyalkylene glycol adduct surfactants and glucoside surfactants either alone or as mixtures.
 23. The graffiti removal system of claim 16 wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of polyalkylene glycol adducts of alkyl C8-C24 phenols; polyalkylene glycol adducts of C8-C30 alcohols or C8-C30 glycosides, linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated; polyalkylene glycol adducts of C8-C30, linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated fatty acid amides; C8-C30 linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated esters of sorbitol; fatty acid esters of sucrose; C8-C30 alkyl polyglycosides; C8-C30 alkenyl polyglycosides, which are optionally polyalkylene glycol adducts with from 0 to 10 polyalkylene glycol units and comprising from 1 to 15 glucose units; polyalkylene glycol adducts of saturated or unsaturated vegetable oils; derivatives of N-alkyl (C8-C30) glucamine; derivatives of N-acyl C8-C30 methylglucamine; aldobionamides; amine oxides; polyalkylene glycol adducts of silicones; polyglycerin adducts of lauryl alcohol containing 1-7 moles of glycerin; polyglycerin adducts of oleyl alcohol containing 1-7 moles of glycerin; polyglycerin adducts of cetearyl alcohol containing 1-7 moles of glycerin; and polyglycerin adducts of octadecanol containing 1-7 moles of glycerin.
 24. The graffiti removal system of claim 16 wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside caprylic/capric glucoside and coco glucoside.
 25. The graffiti removal system of claim 16 wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of cocamidopropyl betaine, cocobetaine, sodium salt of diethylaminopropyl laurylaminosuccinamate or mixtures thereof.
 26. The graffiti removal system of claim 1 wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, decyl glucoside sodium lauroyl lactylate and sodium lauriminodipropionate.
 27. The graffiti removal system of claim 1 wherein said glyceride comprises the reaction product of glycerin with isostearic acid, octanoic acid and decanoic acid.
 28. The graffiti removal system of claim 1 comprising less than 2 wt % sulphate-based surfactant.
 29. The graffiti removal system of claim 28 comprising less than 1 wt % sulphate-based surfactant.
 30. A method of removing graffiti comprising: providing graffiti removal system comprising: a liquid comprising: 4-50 wt % glyceride wherein said glyceride is the condensation reaction product of at least 1.10 moles of a mixture of acids to no more than 2.1 moles of said mixture of acids per mole of glycerin; wherein said mixture of acids comprises: at least 0.275 to no more than 0.990 moles of a first acid comprising a branched acid with 16-20 aliphatic carbons; at least 0.250 to no more than 0.810 moles of a second acid comprising an alkyl acid with 9-11 carbons; and at least 0.250 to no more than 0.810 moles of a third acid comprising an alkyl acid with 7-9 carbons wherein said third acid has a lower molecular weight than said second acid; and 6-45 wt % surfactant; and up to 90 wt % solvent; applying said graffiti removal system to a surface comprising graffiti; and removing said graffiti removal system.
 31. The method of removing graffiti of claim 30 wherein said mixture of acids comprises at least 0.425 moles of said second acid.
 32. The method of removing graffiti of claim 31 wherein said mixture of acids comprises at least 0.520 moles of said second acid.
 33. The method of removing graffiti of claim 30 wherein said mixture of acids comprises no more than 0.580 moles of said second acid.
 34. The method of removing graffiti of claim 33 wherein said mixture of acids comprises at least 0.425 moles of said third acid.
 35. The method of removing graffiti of claim 30 wherein said mixture of acids comprises at least 0.520 moles of said third acid.
 36. The method of removing graffiti of claim 35 wherein said mixture of acids comprises no more than 0.580 moles of said third acid.
 37. The method of removing graffiti of claim 30 further comprising 5-90 wt % of a graffiti removal agent.
 38. The method of removing graffiti of claim 37 wherein said graffiti removal agent is selected from the group consisting of esters, propylene carbonates, terpenes, N-methylpyrrolidone, acetates, and ethers.
 39. The method of removing graffiti of claim 37 wherein said graffiti removal agent is selected from the group consisting of alkyl esters with up to 5 carbons which may be substituted; cyclic terpenes; dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, n-butyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, and diethylene glycol ethyl ether.
 40. The method of removing graffiti of claim 38 wherein said graffiti removal agent is selected from the group consisting of methyl ester, 3-ethoxypropionic ethyl ester, ethyl lactate, soy methyl ester, triglyceride methyl ester, C₁₋₄ alkyl ester of a C₆₋₂₂ saturated or unsaturated carboxylic acid, and limonene.
 41. The method of removing graffiti of claim 30 wherein said liquid has a BYV of at least 50 dyn/cm².
 42. The method of removing graffiti of claim 41 wherein said BYV is at least 100 dyn/cm².
 43. The method of removing graffiti of claim 41 wherein said BYV does not exceed 100,000 dyn/cm².
 44. The method of removing graffiti of claim of claim 30 wherein said graffiti removal system comprises: 10 to 30 wt % said glyceride; 20-40 wt % said solvent; 30-70 wt % said graffiti removal agent; and and up to 40 wt % water.
 45. The method of removing graffiti of claim 30 wherein said graffiti removal system comprises less than 2 wt % sulfate-based surfactant.
 46. The method of removing graffiti of claim 45 wherein said graffiti removal system comprises less than 1 wt % sulfate-based surfactant.
 47. The method of removing graffiti of claim 30 wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of a cationic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an amphoteric surfactant.
 48. The method of removing graffiti of claim 47 wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of quaternized polysaccharides, alkyl polysaccharides, alkoxylated amines, alkoxylated ether amines, phospholipids, and mixtures thereof.
 49. The method of removing graffiti of claim 47 wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of alkanoyl isethionates, alkyl succinates, alkyl sulphosuccinates, N-alkoyl sarcosinates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl ether phosphates, alkyl ether carboxylates, alpha-olefin sulphonates wherein alkyl and acyl groups are comprise 8 to 18 carbons and may be unsaturated.
 50. The method of removing graffiti of claim 47 wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of sodium, magnesium, ammonium and mono-, di- and triethanolamine salts of alpha-olefin sulphonates.
 51. The method of removing graffiti of claim 47 wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of sodium oleyl succinate, ammonium lauryl sulphosuccinate, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulphonate, triethanolamine dodecylbenzene sulphonate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl isethionate, sodium N-lauryl sarconsinate, sodium lauroyl lactylate and sodium lauriminodipropionate.
 52. The method of removing graffiti of claim 51 wherein said surfactant is sodium lauriminodipropionate.
 53. The method of removing graffiti of claim 47 wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol surfactants and glucoside surfactants either alone or as mixtures.
 54. The method of removing graffiti of claim 47 wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of polyalkylene glycol adducts of alkyl C8-C24 phenols; polyalkylene glycol adducts of C8-C30 alcohols or C8-C30 glycosides, linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated; polyalkylene glycol adducts of C8-C30, linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated fatty acid amides; C8-C30 linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated esters of sorbitol; fatty acid esters of sucrose; C8-C30 alkyl polyglycosides; C8-C30 alkenyl polyglycosides, which are optionally polyalkylene glycol adducts with from 0 to 10 polyalkylene glycol units and comprising from 1 to 15 glucose units; polyalkylene glycol adducts of saturated or unsaturated vegetable oils; derivatives of N-alkyl (C8-C30) glucamine; derivatives of N-acyl C8-C30 methylglucamine; aldobionamides; amine oxides; polyalkylene glycol adducts of silicones; polyglycerin adducts of lauryl alcohol containing 1-7 moles of glycerin; polyglycerin adducts of oleyl alcohol containing 1-7 moles of glycerin; polyglycerin adducts of cetearyl alcohol containing 1-7 moles of glycerin; and polyglycerin adducts of octadecanol containing 1-7 moles of glycerin.
 55. The method of removing graffiti of claim 47 wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of decyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, caprylic/capric glucoside and coco glucoside.
 56. The method of removing graffiti of claim 47 wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of cocamidopropyl betaine, cocobetaine, sodium salt of diethylaminopropyl laurylaminosuccinamate or mixtures thereof.
 57. The method of removing graffiti of claim 30 wherein said surfactant is selected from the group consisting of disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, decyl glucoside sodium lauroyl lactylate and sodium lauriminodipropionate.
 58. The method of removing graffiti of claim 30 wherein said glyceride comprises the reaction product of glycerin with isostearic acid, octanoic acid and decanoic acid. 